Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. [Job Vacancy, Singapore] Conservator / Assistant Conservator (Organic Objects), Heritage Conservation Centre 2. Gilder's bole 3. RE: Humidity Stabilization Sheets & Alternatives 4. A new book: "Herbaria. Preservation and Conservation" 5. Job Posting: Senior Paintings Conservator, Luca Bonetti Conservation Studio (Chelsea, NY) 6. Yellow-Green Staining on Polyethylene Bags ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Fiona Lee Posted: Thursday July 16, 2026 6:51 AM Subject: [Job Vacancy, Singapore] Conservator / Assistant Conservator (Organic Objects), Heritage Conservation Centre Message: The National Heritage Board of Singapore (NHB) is recruiting a Conservator / Assistant Conservator (Organic Objects) for the Organic Objects conservation team. The preferred areas of specialisation are wood and plastics. The team is part of the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC) under NHB which is located at 32 Jurong Port Road. Description of collections: Artworks and artefacts are part of the National Collection of Singapore and are under the custody of the National Heritage Board (NHB). NHB preserves, presents and promotes the cultural heritage of Singapore, for the purpose of education, nation-building and cultural understanding. HCC is an institution of NHB with a purpose-built facility for the storage and conservation of all artworks and artefacts under the care of NHB. The collections include socio-historical, cultural, ethnographic, modern and contemporary art materials. HCC Conservation Services is constituted by a team of over 35 conservators and comprises 6 specializations: organic objects conservation, inorganic objects conservation, paintings conservation, paper/photo/digital media conservation, textiles conservation and conservation science. Job Objectives/Purpose: You will provide and manage comprehensive conservation work on collections with a focus on but not restricted to organic material, especially wood and plastics. You apply, develop, and research on collection related issues, including existing and new techniques and procedures. You will also contribute to the smooth operation and delivery of exhibitions, loans and events at the institutions under NHB and Visual Arts Cluster. This is a contract position for 2 years. Key Responsibilities & Duties: Carry out conservation assessments, documentation and treatments on artworks and artefacts from the National Collection according to HCC and NHB procedures, instructions and guidelines for exhibits, loans and events at the institutions of NHB and partners. Manage exhibition projects as liaison officer to cover conservation related as well as administrative aspects of exhibition preparations including preventive conservation. Perform relevant conservation analysis and tests in contributing to the preservation and conservation knowledge of the NHB collections. Might participate in conservation study or research projects including publication. Contribute to upgrading and maintenance of conservation lab. Might provide close supervision and training on the job to subordinates and others as required. Might participate as a member in work groups to work on specific topics related to conservation or institutional excellence. Might participate in outreach activities that cater to a wide variety of audience groups, special interest groups and the public to promote awareness of conservation. Requirements: A Master's degree in Conservation from a recognized training institution. An equivalent proven combination of training and experience will be considered. Preferably at least 6 years of relevant practical experience in organic objects conservation. Institutional/public experience is preferred. Professionals with lesser experience may be considered as Assistant Conservator. Ability to carry out comprehensive and complex treatments with a high degree of manual dexterity and aesthetic sensitivity. Ability to develop and execute heritage science and conservation research in line with HCC's research strategy around sustainability. Keep up to date with current conservation development through self-directed learning and training. Evidence of continual professional development. Familiarity and experience with cultural materials in Southeast Asia and Asia preferred. Possess a wide exposure in handling multi-cultural materials with sensitivity and demonstrate relevance in making sound contextual judgements in applying conservation principles and practices, while collaboratively working with all relevant stakeholders. Excellent verbal and written communication skills that facilitate teamwork and the ability to work across departments and institutions Possess initiative with ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise work in given timeline. Ability to work unsupervised as well as being a cooperative member of staff and strong team player. Ability to coach and impart conservation skills and knowledge effectively. Ability to adapt in a multi-lingual and multi-racial environment. Work Location The conservators shall mostly be based at HCC, 32 Jurong Port Road, Singapore 619104. Salary Range: est $6,000 - $8,000 (Singapore Dollar) with attractive Relocation and Benefits Package To apply, please click below to submit your application. Conservator / Assistant Conservator (Organic Objects), HCC | Careers@Gov <https://jobs.careers.gov.sg/jobs/hrp/17837651/005056a3-d347-1fe1-a091-a590c03542ad> All interested applicants should follow the instructions at the Careers@Gov website to submit their application. Deadline for submission is 25 August 2026. Should you have any questions or difficulties with the application, please contact: Birte Koehler Assistant Director & Senior Conservator (Organic Objects) Heritage Conservation Centre Singapore [email protected] ------------------------------ - ------------------------------ 2.From: Caroline Oliver Posted: Thursday July 16, 2026 7:29 AM Subject: Gilder's bole Message: Hi everyone, My jars are getting empty and I've just been searching the usual suppliers to buy some bole clay for gilding. It's getting harder to find stock available, especially since Selhamin has been discontinued, and the colour range is ever shrinking. I'm sure there are studios around the country (I'm UK based) that have bole they no longer use. How do people feel about re-homing/selling unused supplies? Just a thought - it doesn't go off and there are gilders who would make good use of it. Caroline Caroline Oliver [email protected] 069165 www.coconservation.co.uk <http://www.coconservation.co.uk> 3.From: Luisa Casella Posted: Thursday July 16, 2026 9:43 AM Subject: RE: Humidity Stabilization Sheets & Alternatives Message: Dear Selin,Humidity modulators such as ArtSorb are best suited for closed systems such as a sealed package or bag. If used in a drawer they will soon equilibrate to the environmental RH. If you can place them with the object in a closed system like a polyethylene bag they would likely work for your purposes. ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/15/2026 11:44:00 AM From: Selin Kahramanoglu Subject: Humidity Stabilization Sheets & Alternatives Hello All, I am new to the forum, so I appreciate your assistance with my conservation efforts. I am currently supporting the Toronto Holocaust Museum, where there will be an upcoming artifact rotation, but the museum is dealing with some high fluctuations in humidity within some of our display cases and drawers. The units are not perfectly sealed, which is the main challenge, as I am looking into solutions to help with stabilization. Thankfully, the artifacts have not suffered, but I would like to take the opportunity of the museum's exhibition changeover to make some improvements to environmental control strategies. Has anyone used humidity stabilization sheets, and if so, are you pleased with their results? Are there alternative options that you prefer? Silica gel packets will jiggle as the drawers open (our space is very quiet), and I cannot plug-in a dehumidifier for each gallery, so I am open to suggestions. Thank you so much, Selin ------------------------------ Selin Kahramanoglu Collections & Gallery Manager Toronto Holocaust Museum ------------------------------ 4.From: Magdalena Grenda-Kurmanow Posted: Thursday July 16, 2026 9:44 AM Subject: A new book: "Herbaria. Preservation and Conservation" Message: I'm happy to share the news about my book: "Herbaria. Preservation and Conservation", published by Springer Nature: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-21904-6 <https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-21904-6> This publication is the result of years of research dedicated to the preservation and conservation of herbarium collections and is a comprehensive study of issues related to their conservation. I hope you will find it useful! about the book: This publication enables to realize the full potential of herbaria as archives of scientific information. The book focuses on the most important aspects of the collection's condition which is crucial for planning further research using its resources. The issues described in the volume include both past and present techniques for making and preserving herbaria, placing particular emphasis on the impact of these procedures on their condition, and impact on the genetic material. These topics have not previously been discussed in such detail in relation to herbaria. Also, individual chapters cover IPM, use of biocides and their impact on collections and staff, technological analysis performed on herbaria, among others. The book also addresses ethical issues derived from both biological disciplines and the field of heritage conservation. The work provides a basis for responsible documentation of the biological information around us, which future generations will appreciate as heritage. ------------------------------ Magdalena Grenda-Kurmanow Assistant Professor Akademia Sztuk Pięknych w Warszawie, Wydział Konserwacji i Restauracji Dzieł Sztuki Warszawa Poland ------------------------------ 5.From: Mahen Bonetti Posted: Thursday July 16, 2026 2:53 PM Subject: Job Posting: Senior Paintings Conservator, Luca Bonetti Conservation Studio (Chelsea, NY) Message: Luca Bonetti Conservation Studio based in Chelsea, NY is seeking a professionally trained senior conservator with experience in the field of Paintings Conservation. The candidate will be proficient in the skilled examination and treatment of historic and contemporary paintings, murals, painted surfaces and artifacts and specific experience in the restoration of paintings with a wide variety of supports and media. The candidate should possess a strong working knowledge of art history and chemistry as it relates to historic materials used in the conservation process. Preferred candidates will have a master's degree in art conservation and training in current conservation practices, materials, and cleaning techniques. This position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. LB Studio is a small but busy studio with a friendly staff. Our clients include private collectors, public institutions, artists' studios, galleries and the major auction houses in New York City, the United States and abroad. The successful candidate will be conversant with the public and private art institutions of the city and be adept at cultivating and fostering LB Studio's works. We are looking for someone who shares its collaborative ethos in addition to the ability to meet multiple deadlines while maintaining strong ethical standards and excellent customer service. POSITION REQUIREMENTS Excellent inpainting skills using reversible and minimally invasive techniques. Must have the ability to accurately match colors, paint application appearance and techniques of artists where compensation or inpainting is required. The ability to complete routine filling, lining and stretching. Experience in the safe surface cleaning and removal of discolored varnish layers, embedded dirt/soot and previous overpaint using traditional organic and modern aqueous-based solvent systems and detergents. Strong writing skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, iOS and Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop and InDesign. Specific Duties And Responsibilities: The conservator will be responsible for preparing documentary reports, including: Condition Reports, Treatment Proposals, and Treatment Reports. The conservator is required to prepare photographic documentation for each artifact using a variety of image and text-based applications. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, iOS and Adobe Creative Cloud applications is required. Conservation of large works of art and the capacity to stand for long periods working on scaffolding, ladders or lifts. Excellent inpainting skills using reversible and minimally invasive techniques. Must have the ability to accurately match colors, paint application appearance and techniques of artists where compensation or inpainting is required The ability to complete routine filling, lining and stretching. Experience in the safe surface cleaning and removal of discolored varnish layers, embedded dirt/soot and previous overpaint using traditional organic and modern aqueous-based solvent systems and detergents. Strong writing skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, iOS and Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop and InDesign. Ideal Qualifications: EDUCATION: Master's degree in Art Conservation, or commensurate conservation apprentice training and experience. In-depth working knowledge of art history, chemistry, studio art technique, and AIC conservation standards are a must. EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of professional paintings and painted surface conservation. LANGUAGES: Proficiency in English required. Salary commensurate with experience: $100,000 To $119,000 LB Corp. does not discriminate on any basis in its hiring ------------------------------ Mahen Bonetti Owner Luca Bonetti, Corp. New York United States ------------------------------ 6.From: Marybeth Tomka Posted: Thursday July 16, 2026 2:53 PM Subject: Yellow-Green Staining on Polyethylene Bags Message: I am inquiring if anyone has had the experience of finding staining or discoloration of polyethylene bags containing archaeological materials that cant seem to be explained by mold or other natural causes. I have found it in several collections at two repositories in Texas and it has recently been reported to me at one in North Dakota by a former student. However, this case is more rampant and more extensive. In my previous work we had linked it to the plasticizers reacting to UV light, possible vehicle exhaust fumes in warehouses, and oxygen. One article we read linked it to the breakdown of phenolic antioxidants to quinone which appears yellow green. I am an archaeologist with training in collections management, so chemistry is not a strength, but I had a volunteer with a biochemistry background that helped with the research. We are really looking for some answers to find out if we have a chemical reaction that is innocuous and unsightly or something of danger to the objects. The first time I saw the reactions it was with organic materials and ferrous metals; the second time the discoloration was appearing where the bags were stressed from the objects being too large for bag size. Unfortunately even if I could share pictures, the images do not illustrate the likeness of the discoloration. I would appreciate a conservators opinion on the chemistry of what might be happening and any anecdotal comments on having seen this strange occurrence. We want to share the results so that people are forewarned. It seems objects may have been discarded because they were thought to be contaminated -- in my experience there was no smell and recent testing in ND did not indicate mold or spores of any kind. Ideas? Thank you. Marybeth Tomka MA RPA Prof Spec CMArgyle Archaeological Services You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
